Variable Following Distance Control for Driver Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assistance systems fail to maintain a comfortable following distance when a host vehicle stops behind a stopped preceding vehicle, leading to driver discomfort due to a constant target following distance, which is technically challenging to address.
Innovation Solution
A driving assistance apparatus that includes a recognizer for stopped vehicles, a speed detector, and a setting device to adjust the target following distance based on the host vehicle's operation speed and driver intentions, setting a shorter distance when the speed is low or the driver performs specific pedal operations, ensuring the vehicle stops near the intended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a constant target following distance is used when the host vehicle stops behind a stopped preceding vehicle, then the control accuracy is improved, but the driver comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the target following distance variable rather than constant. The setting device dynamically adjusts the target following distance based on the operation speed detected by the speed detector. When the host vehicle is stopping behind a stopped preceding vehicle, the system transitions from using a constant target following distance to using a variable one that adapts to current driving conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between control accuracy and driver comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the target following distance parameter based on operation speed. The setting device changes the target following distance parameter according to the detected operation speed, ensuring that the parameter adapts to different driving scenarios. This parameter adjustment resolves the technical contradiction by allowing the system to maintain appropriate following distances that satisfy both control accuracy requirements and driver comfort expectations
2Ease of operation
If the target following distance is set smaller when operation speed is low, then the driver comfort is improved, but the following distance control accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the target following distance parameter based on operation speed thresholds. The setting device changes the parameter value according to whether the operation speed is above or below a predetermined threshold, allowing the system to optimize for driver comfort at low speeds while maintaining control accuracy through structured parameter adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the speed detector to continuously monitor operation speed and adjust the target following distance accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the target following distance parameter is dynamically updated based on real-time speed information, resolving the contradiction between comfort and accuracy through closed-loop control
Data Source
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AI summary
A driving assistance apparatus performs a stop control of stopping a host vehicle so that a following distance between the host vehicle and a stopped vehicle, which is ahead in a course of the host vehicle, approaches a target following distance. The driving assistance apparatus is provided with: a setting device configured to set the target following distance smaller, if an operation speed is less than a predetermined speed, in comparison with that if the operation speed is greater than the predetermined speed when one of an acceleration off operation and a brake off operation is performed, or when one of an accelerator opening degree corresponding to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal and a brake opening degree corresponding to an operation amount of a brake pedal is less than or equal to a predetermined opening degree, while the stopped vehicle is recognized.